49ers’ Walker inspired by family tragedy

Less than 24 hours after the 49ers‘ loss in the Super Bowl, tight end Delanie Walker had forgotten about it.

The defeat paled in comparison to the knee-buckling news he received shortly after the team plane touched down in San Jose: His aunt and uncle, Alice and Bryan Young, had been killed by an alleged drunken driver hours after Walker hugged them goodbye at the 49ers’ postgame party the previous night.

Alice Young, 42, who had helped raise Walker, married Bryan, 54, in 2004. Walker was the last member of his family to see the Youngs, who had traveled from Victorville (San Bernardino County) to spend the week of the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

“The Super Bowl – I forgot all about it,” Walker said. “It was like it didn’t even happen. My auntie was very close to me. It really hurt me because she came out to watch me play. It was something that happened to her when she came out to see me. That’s what hit me the hardest.”

At about 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 4, the Youngs were inside their car on the shoulder of Interstate 10 outside New Orleans when Nechole Thomas, 26, plowed into the back of their 2012 Nissan Altima at more than 100 mph, Walker said. The Altima burst into flames.

Thomas has since been held at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in Killona, La., charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, one count of driving while intoxicated and one count of reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Walker has resolved to honor his relatives’ memory. In an effort to prevent similar deaths, he will sign memorabilia, at cost, Saturday at Izzy’s Steaks and Chops in San Carlos with a percentage of proceeds going to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Those who stay for dinner will have a portion of their checks donated to MADD.

On May 11, Walker will lead a team at an annual MADD walk at Cesar Chavez Park in San Francisco.

“I just want to open up people’s eyes,” Walker said. “It’s never the person that’s drinking and driving that gets hurt. It’s always the person that’s doing the right thing and trying to get home and mind their business. This happens so much and now it’s really hit home for me. I just want to make people more aware through my story.”

In a phone interview Saturday, Walker, in Los Angeles, brightened when describing his aunt and uncle. Bryan Young, who had served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was an avid sports fan and longtime prison guard. Alice Young, a real estate agent, was invariably referred to by family by her nickname, “Peaches.”

“She was just so loving and caring,” Walker said. “She would do whatever it took for somebody else. We called her ‘Peaches’ because she was just so sweet. I didn’t even know her name was Alice until I was 13.”

The Youngs had eight children between them. Alice’s youngest son, DeAndre Williams, a standout football player, is a senior at Serrano High who is now living with Walker’s grandmother. Walker said he’s spoken with his nephew about staying focused and honoring his mother by pursuing his NFL dreams.

As for his own career, Walker, a pending free agent who wants to stay with the 49ers, figures to have plenty of potential suitors when free agency begins Tuesday. He’s excited about the future, but still dealing with grief from his recent past.

“Sometimes I wonder why God does the things He does,” Walker said. “But there was a reason why He called my auntie Peaches and my uncle Bryan back to the true home they’re at now.”

MADD fundraiser

Niners tight end Delanie Walker will take part in upcoming events to raise money for MADD:

— On Saturday, Walker will sign memorabilia, at cost, at Izzy’s Steaks and Chops at 525 Skyway Road in San Carlos from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Those who make dinner reservations ((650) 654-2822) for the Delanie Walker/MADD event will have a portion of their checks donated to MADD. For more information, contact Trisha Pickerel at (916) 849-6229.

— On May 11, Walker will lead a team at the Bay Area Walk Like MADD event in Cesar Chavez Park in San Francisco. Fans can sign up for Walker’s team on April 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at Niner Empire in San Carlos. Walker will sign autographs at Niner Empire.